KMU Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry (KMUC) Participates in 2026 Philippines Education Fair, Strengthening Taiwan–Philippines Talent Development Collaboration
To implement the Ministry of Education’s “International Industry-Academia Education Cooperation Alliance (INTENSE Program),” the “2026 INTENSE Program Philippines Overseas Education Fair,” jointly organized by National Chung Hsing University, Cheng Shiu University, and Kun Shan University, was grandly launched on April 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
This exhibition brought together 15 outstanding Taiwanese universities to form “Team Taiwan.” It marks the largest collective presence of Taiwan’s higher education sector in the Philippines in the post-pandemic era and represents an important milestone in advancing talent mobility under the New Southbound Policy.
The opening ceremony was officiated by officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines, along with presidents and vice presidents from universities in both Taiwan and the Philippines. In his remarks, Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines, Mr. Chou Min-Kan, emphasized the strategic significance of the event. He noted that Filipino students have become one of the top five international student groups in Taiwan in the past academic year, highlighting the growing academic ties and mutual trust between the two countries.
Professor Wei-Yu Lin, Chair of the Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMUC), represented the university at the event. He engaged directly with Filipino students, addressing their concerns regarding language requirements, internship opportunities, and student support services. In addition, Prof. Lin delivered a 20-minute presentation introducing KMU and the department’s graduate programs, as well as the structure and highlights of the “INTENSE Program.”
The program integrates industry-academia collaboration by partnering with leading companies such as Eternal Materials Co., Ltd., Li-Shen Technology Co., Ltd., and Everlight Chemical Industrial Corporation. It offers students comprehensive academic training and industry internship opportunities, creating a clear pathway to international career development. Scholarships are also provided to lower financial barriers and enhance the program’s attractiveness to international students.
Prof. Lin emphasized that Taiwan has strong foundations and global competitiveness in the semiconductor, chemical, and materials science industries. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to share its educational and industrial resources to help Filipino students broaden their international perspectives and expand their career opportunities.
The successful hosting of the “2026 INTENSE Program Philippines Overseas Education Fair” demonstrates the growing influence of Taiwan’s higher education sector in Southeast Asia. It also opens a new chapter in Taiwan–Philippines collaboration in talent development and industry-academia partnerships. In the future, Taiwanese universities will continue to promote high-quality education and affordable tuition through international platforms, attracting more Filipino students to pursue higher education in Taiwan and jointly fostering global talent.
